July 31 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

2 Corinthians 1:1–7 tells us some very profound things about God’s comfort for those who belong to Christ. Did you notice as you read these verses how many times the word “comfort” is used? This passage identifies comfort with salvation. The strength of our lives as children of God is that the Lord comes to us and shows us mercy in our misery! All comfort proceeds from the Lord and is only experienced when we are in a relationship with Him. He is the One who is able to comfort us in all our troubles. The Father of all comfort will provide appropriate encouragement, comfort and strength to His people. He is able to provide the most perfectly suited comfort because we are the property of His Son.

The confession of our only comfort is something we need to take hold of every day! Belonging to Christ, we can be sure that no problems or pain can sever us from God’s love in Jesus Christ. The comfort the Lord provides is never lacking! His comfort is sufficient for every circumstance of life and for the moment we take our last breath. It is extremely comforting to know that we are always under the intensive care of our Saviour. We will never slip out of the hands of Jesus. All things serve, in one way or another, for our good.

God’s strength (comfort) is perfected in our weakness. Paul speaks of a situation in his life that was the worst life-threatening experience he ever had. He writes in verse 8, “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.” Paul does not give us any details as to what this affliction was, but it touched him and his companions so deeply they lost the will to live. Was the apostle aware of why it happened? Yes! God put him and those with him through mental and emotional turmoil in order that they should not trust in themselves (1:9). Comfort is a tremendous gift! We are not left to fend for ourselves; the Lord will give us the strength to bear adversity.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” (2 Thess. 2:16–17)